Great Matuku-hurepo Muster 2026 – Round Two

We need you! The Matuku-hurepo / Australasian Bittern are one step away from extinction!

Join the Great Matuku-hurepo Muster 2026.

The Love Bittern Project combines community-led action on the ground to help save the Matuku-hūrepo / Australasian bittern and their wetland homes across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

When ⏰: One evening during each of these months (note the listening is synchronised so listening happens on the same day; the evening is determined closer to the time)

• October – Friday 23rd to Sunday 1st Nov (full Moon 26th)
• November – Friday 20th to Sunday 29th (full moon 25th)

What❓: Every Bittern and every wetland counts!​ By knowing where the Bittern are, effort can be focused on improving their habitat.

Russell Landcare Trust is working with The Love Bittern Project in our local area on this year’s Great Matuku-Hurepo Muster. The Great Matuku-Hurepo Muster is a nationwide synchronised count of male Australasian bittern booming.

How 🤔: Register today to get involved! Send an email to kerry@russelllandcare.org.nz with the following information – 

👉 Name:

👉 Email:

👉 Location where listening (if already identified). Leave blank if you would like to be assigned to a listening location:

👉 Area where you live, eg Russell town, Paroa Bay (so we can try to assign you to a location close by):

We will be in touch about getting set up on The Conservation Hub website/app and connected to the project.